Ashford sign two to stave off relegation

Thursday 23rd March 2006

Ashford Town have signed two new players this week in order to strengthen their squad before transfer deadline day on 31^st March, writes Stephen McCartney.

Danny Simmonds, sometimes described as a utility player, has signed from Nationwide Conference South outfit Eastbourne Borough, where he has been a regular first team player for three seasons.

Prior to that he spent eight seasons at Hastings and was expected to return to the Pilot Field before being snapped up by Ashford boss Tim Thorogood.

Stuart Playford, who had a spell at Ashford a few seasons ago, and has since played at Hastings and Folkestone Invicta, has also joined and an official seven-day approach has gone in for Hastings' Shaun Loft.

The pair already signed should be available for their game against third placed side Horsham on Saturday, as will new boy Dan Tanner, a recent capture from Ryman Premier League side Folkestone Invicta.

Promoted from the reserve side are Terry Penfold, Barry Crawford, Danny Jones and goalkeeper James Colman, who will all be given a chance to establish themselves at Ryman League Division One level in their remaining eight games.

However, Shaun Bradshaw, Emmanual Sackey and Denver Birmingham have all left the club as Thorogood seeks to break their recent run of poor results, which has seen them pick up just two points from their last five league games.

Mark Jenner, the club’s chief executive, said: “The club thanks those players leaving for their contribution and wishes them well for the future.

”The next few games are crucial to ensure we do not fall into the relegation trap and start next season in a much stronger position than we did this one.”

Ashford need to start picking up points as they are just one point clear of Newport IOW, who are in the drop zone. The Islanders travel to Lymington & New Milton on Saturday, the side that are one place above the Kent side, albeit five points clear.

* In our original article the information we received from Ashford Town said they had signed Shaun Loft from Hastings. However, this was incorrect and the Homelands club would like to confirm that a seven-day approach has been submitted for the player. We have now amended this article accordingly.

Ashford Town v Horsham
Ryman League Division One
Saturday 25^th March 2006
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Homelands, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth